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Special teams leader plans to play in '09

Email|Link|Comments (7) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff January 16, 2009 06:45 AM

Only nine players on the current Patriots roster were with the club for all three Super Bowl championships, and one of them -- linebacker Larry Izzo -- is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on Feb. 27.

The 2009 season would be Izzo's 14th in the NFL, and he said retirement is not on his mind at this time. The 34-year-old Izzo plans to play in '09.

If Izzo and the Patriots can not work out a deal, recent off-field developments -- e.g. Josh McDaniels named head coach in Denver, Scott Pioli named general manager in Kansas City, and Brad Seely named Browns special teams coach -- could open opportunities for him elsewhere.

Izzo, who has missed just one game in his eight-year Patriots tenure, totaled a team-high 14 special teams tackles in the 2008 season.

A look at the team's 2008 leaders in special teams tackles (tackles tabulated by coaches after film review):

LB Larry Izzo -- 14

S Matthew Slater -- 13

S Brandon Meriweather -- 11

OLB Pierre Woods -- 11 (team-high 9 solo)

WR Sam Aiken -- 10

CB Mike Richardson -- 8

LB Gary Guyton -- 7

WR Kelley Washington -- 7

S/WR Ray Ventrone -- 6

OLB Vince Redd -- 6

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7 comments so far...

Best special team player in NFL history

Posted by Harry R January 16, 09 07:07 AM

Good day Mike, I would think that players in the middle of a kickoff formation would have higher tackle totals than those on the edge and that this might skew those totals. Of course I also recognize the fact that you would probably put your best tacklers there for that reason so it may be a wash. Any thoughts?

Posted by Mark January 16, 09 07:59 AM

With all due respect to Larry Izzo as he has been a great Patriot, lockerroom leader and generous person off the field with his charities, eventhough Izzo led the team in Special Teams tackles, I feel that the tackle # doesn't adequately grade how Izzo performed this year. He doesn't have the same presence he once had and certainly has lost a step with age. I rememebr the Izzo of old flying all over the field. I'd be surprised if the Pats bring him back next season as I'd think it would make more sense to replace him with a younger, fresher player. But then again, Izzo's contributions as a leader are very under-rated.

Posted by Eric from Riverdale January 16, 09 09:49 AM

If Woods, Washington, Aiken, and Ventrone had managed to stay healthy for 16 games, I think they would have been the clear special teams leaders. Also, it would have been interesting to see what Alexander and Tank could have contributed to the unit. Izzo has passed the torch, in my opinion, and I'm not sure there's going to be roster space on the team if they decide to add more youth. Although it's remarkable how healthy he's been throughout his career.

Posted by MarkZ January 16, 09 11:08 AM

nooooooooooooo eric - izzo must stay...he's a major contributor both on & off the field

Posted by stop Newport, RI corruption January 16, 09 11:16 AM

With the infusion of youth at linebacker last year, I actually thought he might be released at the end of preseason. I'm glad he wasn't but I think it could happen this year. Too many young guys who can play ST's and back up an inside or outside LB position.

Posted by Jim L. January 16, 09 12:15 PM

It's time for Izzo to move on. Great career, but he is taking up a roster spot that needs to be filled by a younger player.

Posted by Mike Allen January 16, 09 08:59 PM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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